Biography

Noémie Elgrishi is a native of France. She received her higher education in Paris
from École Normale Supérieure and Université Pierre et Marie Curie - Paris VI. During
her Master’s degree she studied host-guest interactions in molecular cages with Johnathan
Nitschke at the University of Cambridge and energy storage through photocatalytic
HX splitting with Daniel Nocera at MIT. In 2015 she completed her PhD under the guidance
of Marc Fontecave in Collège de France in Paris investigating electrochemical CO2
reduction catalyzed by molecular complexes of first row transition metals. She then
moved to UNC - Chapel Hill in 2015 to pursue postdoctoral studies under the mentorship
of Jillian Dempsey working on mechanistic investigations of proton-coupled electron
transfer (PCET) processes. She will join the LSU chemistry department in the fall
of 2017.

Research Summary

My research program aims to address challenges in environmental chemistry and energy
storage while training the next generation of chemists in the crucial areas of modern
inorganic and analytical chemistry. The projects outlined are well suited to develop
compelling community outreach activities to raise awareness about science and inspire
students to pursue opportunities in science and engineering. Students working on these
projects will become proficient in inorganic synthesis, electrochemistry, and a wide
array of analytical methods. As the projects progress and mature, the expertise of
the lab will expand to include materials characterization and surface modification.
These skills are at the heart of solving challenges faced by our society in the 21st
century, such as renewable energy, clean water, and waste valorization.

My research group will first focus on addressing the following key environmental problems:

· Solar fuel production

· Water purification

· Energy storage

Motivated and curious students are encouraged to get in touch and to ask questions
about joining the lab! Being part of the founding members of the lab is a unique opportunity
to help set the lab culture and lab protocols. It is an exciting time! Prospective
graduate students, undergraduate students and postdoctoral fellows are encouraged
to apply! Whether or not you already know what your dream job is, I am committed to
help you acquire all the skills you will need to be the best job candidate you can
be once you leave the lab!

Evaluation of Molecular Catalysts’ Properties upon Encapsulation

Figure 1. Overview of the Solar Fuel Production Project

I propose to systematically study the effect of site isolation and second sphere coordination
of fuel-forming catalysts in metal organic frameworks (MOFs) using molecular cages
as model systems. By using molecular cages, studies will no longer be restricted to
photosensitized systems and will open the way for electro-catalytic fuel formation.

Students working on this project will learn and master inorganic synthesis, small
molecules characterization techniques (NMR, IR, UV-vis spectroscopy, as well as mass
spectrometry, X-Ray diffraction for example), catalysis and electrochemistry. Experience
some of these areas is appreciated but not required to join the lab!

Electro-catalytic Reduction of Hexavalent Chromium

I propose to apply the principles developed in the study of fuel forming PCET reactions
to the design of catalysts for the selective reduction of hexavalent chromium in water.
Hydrogen-bonding pockets will be constructed to lower the high kinetic barriers governing
the underlying multi-electron multi-proton transformations involved in the electro-reduction
of Cr(VI) to Cr(III).

Figure 2. Overview of the Water Purification Project

Students working on this project will learn and master the following skills: electrochemistry,
catalysis, characterization of small molecules and a variety of analytical methods.
Experience some of these areas is appreciated but not required to join the lab!

Harnessing Ion Transport Energy for Hybrid Redox Flow Batteries

Figure 3. Overview of the Energy Storage Project

A hybrid flow battery will be constructed, combining the power of redox batteries
with that of ion transfer batteries, increasing the overall cell voltage. Research
efforts will be focused on the developments of inorganic complexes as candidates for
ion-coupled electron transfer processes.

Students working on this project will learn and master a wide range of electrochemical
techniques. The project will also require a small amount of inorganic synthesis. A
love of tinkering and device building would also fit well for this project!